During which phase of healing does scar tissue formation primarily occur?

Scar tissue formation primarily occurs during the proliferation phase of healing. This phase follows the inflammatory phase and is characterized by the body's efforts to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. In this phase, fibroblasts play a crucial role by synthesizing collagen and extracellular matrix, leading to the formation of granulation tissue, which later matures into scar tissue.

The proliferation phase is vital because it represents the body's natural response to injury, where new blood vessels form (angiogenesis) and the repair processes are significantly heightened. This phase supports the rebuilding of the structure and function of the affected area, ultimately setting the stage for the maturation phase, where the scar tissue develops further and strengthens over time.